Ready for a run? A running group Wednesdays at the Downtown Flint YMCA, 411 E. Third St., meets at 5:30 p.m. There's a dedicated group of walkers, too, who leave a little earlier. Most are members of the local running club, The Riverbend Striders. Many like to grab a meal afterward. So, if you're looking for some running company, this is a good place to start. Worried no one might be there, give Bauman's Running and Walking Shop a call at (810) 238-5981.

About The Weekly Jog: Started Feb. 28, 2008, this is an offshoot of "Mac's Blog on the Run" that's typically posted Thursdays at noon. Its focus is to detail news and notes about the Flint area running community.

Running background: One year of cross country at Livonia Churchill High School in the fall of 1991 (had a crush on a girl, found out I loved running instead). Got hurt in 1992 and quit running while adding "The Freshman 15" every year in college at Michigan State University (Go Spartans!). I rediscovered running after joining the Flint YMCA and meeting area runners who helped me to achieve all that's below.

Running highlights: Losing about 90 pounds after not really running for about eight years/winning 14 road races in Michigan (all small field events)/completing 16 marathons (including one during an Ironman triathlon in 2004 -- yeah, it was tough, but it was worth it).